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The University of Bolton has demonstrated excellent industry links by working in collaboration with international games developer I-play.

I-play is part of Oberon Media. Oberon is the world's leading casual multi-platform games company, specialising in online, social network and interactive TV gaming. I-play currently runs a game-testing initiative within the University's School of Business and Creative Technologies (BCT). This gives students the chance to test the latest titles I-play has developed like the Great Gatsby and Agatha Christie 4:50 from Paddington.

I-play has been so impressed with the success of the partnership it has launched a second initiative for students to test their latest Facebook titles. And due to the quality of feedback they have received from this scheme, I-play is now looking to expand the operation. It wants to use Bolton students as 'ambassadors' to involve their friends and family in the evaluation.

The partnership between I-play and the University is one of mutual benefits. Louise Blenkharn, who teaches the Business of Computer Games module, said: 'The students get a first look at some very impressive games and get their names in the credits. I-play benefits from our organising a group of students and the expertise the students can bring.'

The University has now been involved in testing for seven I-play titles and some students have contributed to all of the tests. Prospective employers in the games industry look for students who have already had some involvement in the industry.

Recently I-play's Director of Publishing QA, Thomas Hulvershorn, came to Bolton to give a guest lecture. He spoke to the third year games students about industry trends, and gave them tips and techniques for that all important interview.

Thomas is pleased with the current schemes and happy that both the students and I-play have benefitted from them. He said: 'I was concerned at the start that we [I-play] should not be seen to exploit the students. I wanted to be sure that the students felt that it was a fair exchange for the work that they do.'

And it's clear the relationship is working. Senior Lecturer in Computer Games Software Development, Andrew Williams said: 'Our students clearly feel that they benefit from this.  During the latest test, we had a record number of participants and I am particularly pleased as five members of staff who previously did not have game credits have been credited under this scheme.'

The team is looking for more female testers, as women are the core market for I-play's games. If you would like to be a games tester contact gametesting@bolton.ac.uk|.

Photograph: Director of Publishing QA at I-play, Thomas Hulvershorn.